All four companies have signed endorsements to support the establishment of two centres, one in Flanders and one in Wallonia, Belgium.

The two centres will focus on advanced manufacturing and additive layer manufacture to further develop Belgium’s defence and aerospace industry.

BAE Systems Belgium campaign director Anthony Gregory said: “With the support of our partner companies across Europe, we are delighted to sign these endorsements which form a key component of our industrial offer to Belgium.

“These centres in Flanders and Wallonia could not only build on Belgium’s existing capabilities but also play an essential role in positioning Belgium’s industry for work on future combat aircraft programmes in Europe with key European partners.”

The partner companies will invest in the development of research agendas by the centres.

“The two centres will focus on advanced manufacturing and additive layer manufacture to further develop Belgium’s defence and aerospace industry.”